Jimmy Conrad pulling the young boys along during a national team fitness run. (Photo courtesy
U.S. Soccer)
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CARSON, Calif.
Mike Lapper, current assistant coach for the Columbus Crew, former defender for the U.S. National
Team and various clubs, most notably the Crew, was kind enough to give me an exclusive interview
for Pro Soccer Weekly. Mike is a really nice guy and gives some very frank answers to the questions
that I had for him.
Lately Wizards defender Jimmy Conrad has been busy. He's been spending his days and nights at U.S.
Men's National Team camp in Carson, Calif. He's also been showing up on just about everybody's list
of MLS Team of the Decade, including at least a trio of nods for MLS Defender of the Decade. We
talked to Jimmy about what he thinks of all that.
Photo by ISIphotos.com The decade from 2000 to 2009 was a landmark period for Major League Soccer, both in terms of
growth and improved quality of play, so it's only right to take a look back at the decade some are
calling the Aughties.
To some fans scattered across the U.S., Saturday's friendly against Honduras means very little.
You'd have to be a bit delirious to think Bob Bradley will draw on members of the January camp
squad for the World Cup.
But don't tell that to the players, some of whom have a real shot at the very least, a back up
when the team gets on a flight to South Africa at the end of May/early June.
USA 1-3 Honduras
The United States started 2010 and the final stretch to the World Cup with a 3-1 loss to
Honduras Saturday at the Home Depot Center is Los Angeles, California. The result broke an eight
game winning streak for the US against Honduras.
The US began the game applying high pressure to the Honduran back line, but was unable to break
through the defense when in possession of the ball.
Photo by ISIphotos.com
The decade from 2000 to 2009 was a landmark period for Major League Soccer, both in terms of
growth and improved quality of play, so it's only right to take a look back at the decade some are
calling the Aughties.
The Men's National Team game notes are out and here are a few interesting tidbits we found when
looking over them:
- In total, 10 players on the roster competed in the USA's successful campaign to qualify for the
2010 FIFA World Cup. Sacha Kljestan's 10 appearances during qualifying are a team high, while Heath
Pearce (nine starts) and Conor Casey (two goals) are also team bests.
To some fans scattered across the U.S., Saturday's friendly against Honduras means very little.
You'd have to be a bit delirious to think Bob Bradley will draw on members of the January camp
squad for the World Cup.
But don't tell that to the players, some of whom have a real shot at the very least, a back up
when the team gets on a flight to South Africa at the end of May/early June.
1. Bornstein's goal against Costa Rica will be mentioned a total of seven times. The
highlights will be shown in both the pre-game and half time specials.
2. Conor Casey will score a goal, making it even more likely that he'll make our World Cup
roster. Ugh.
3. The central defense will look pretty strong considering this is our "B-Team".
Welcome to Honduras North aka Home Depot Center, Carson.
A predominantly blue and white clad crowd here tonight at the Home Depot Center.
The U.S. was roundly booed when they ran out to warm-up at about 5:25 p.m.
I'm told about 150 members of the LA Riot Squad are here tonight, which may be the largest
single group of Americans in attendance.
USA Starters GK - Troy Perkins D - Marvell Wynne M - Benny Feilhaber M - Kyle Beckerman D - Chad
Marshall D - Jonathan Bornstein M - Robbie Rogers D - Jimmy Conrad (Capt.) M - Sacha Kljestan F -
Robbie Findley F -... Read more
1. Bornstein's goal against Costa Rica will be mentioned a total of seven times. The
highlights will be shown in both the pre-game and half time specials.
Although the goal definitely came up, it wasn't the hot topic of conversation I thought it
would be. I was counting on this one as a gimme.
